Types of solar systems

There are two main types of solar power system based on whether they are connected to the grid or not.

The grid connect installation ensures you have the electricity you need, whenever you need it – automatically and regardless of weather conditions.

An off grid solar power system is completely separated from mains power and is more expensive as it utilizes a battery bank for storing electricity generated by solar panels. Off grid installations are most common in rural of Hungary where the mains grid isn’t available or prohibitively expensive to connect to. It also requires maintenance, as the batteries have to be replaced in every 5-6 years.

How a grid connect system works

Most people in residential areas going solar invest in grid connect systems.

Electricity from the solar panels is converted into supply suitable for domestic appliances via an inverter. Whenever the system produces more power than is being used, the surplus is fed into the mains grid.

Depending on your electricity provider and location, you could be paid a premium for every kilowatt hour of electricity your solar system feeds into the grid.

Solar panel: directly convert sunlight into direct current (DC)

Switch board: connection of cables from panels

Inverter: converts direct current into 240 V and 50 Hz alternating current

Electricity meter: records the energy sent to the grid from your solar system as well as the energy consumed from the grid (5)

How an off-grid system works

Off grid system are suitable for people remote areas, where a connection to the mains power grid is not available or too expensive.

These systems supply solar generated electricity through an inverter to a charge controller, which regulates the charging of batteries for energy storage. Appliances can be run off the electricity stored in the batteries.

Solar panel: directly convert sunlight into direct current (DC)

Charge controller: solar power is stored in batteries running through this device. It is to protect batteries from over charging and short circuit

Battery: The battery bank allows you to collect electricity (12-14 V) energy during the day and store it until you need to use it.

Inverter: changes the battery DC power into 240 V alternating current (AC) ready to be used by your regular devices in your home.